22 MARCH 1919, Page 20

The Story of Doctor Johnson. By S. C. Roberts. (Cam-

bridge University Press. 4s. 6d. net.)—Mr. Roberts has con- densed and simplified Bossiell's Life of Dr. Johnson in this very attractive little book, adding a few touches from Miss Burney and Mrs. Thesis. Sometimes he quotes ; sometimes he sum- marizes. He hopes, not without reason, to send more readers to Boswell himself, but the abridgment is most entertaining. The book is illustrated with a number of good portraits, views, and caricatures, selected with unusual care.